BU gets platinum for going green

By
Conor Mooney

September 24, 2013Updated Sep 25, 2013 at 12:55 AM EDT

Vestal, NY (WBNG Binghamton) Binghamton University's school colors aren't the only thing that's green on campus. One building received positive recognition for its environmental impact -- or lack thereof.

Local leaders joined Binghamton University President Harvey Stenger Tuesday at the Engineering and Science building on the Innovative Technologies Complex.

The U.S. Green Building Council certified the building as a "Leader in Energy and Environmental Design," or LEEDs platinum.

That's the highest certification ranking given by the council.

The building received a certain amount of credits, which are based on the number of "energy conservation measures" incorporated into the building.

"It's the most energy efficient building on campus right now," Stenger said. "That means that we're saving tens of thousands of dollars a year on energy costs. We can then reinvest in the academic programs and that's pretty exciting."

The 2-year-old building cost nearly $66 million to complete.

Only 30 buildings in the state of New York have been certified as LEED platinum.